Barging in France | Barges on canals in France

HOTEL BARGING IN FRANCE
Unwind and take a leisurely luxury hotel barge and meander the inland waterways of France. See life pass you by on canals, rivers and lakes. Life will unfold before you whilst you relax and enjoy gourmet cuisine, fine wines and the company of like-minded passengers. Of course, our crewed barges cater to the individual traveller or families or groups of friends. When you dock, guided tours of castles, vineyards, chateaux and markets will entice you ashore. On your return to your floating hotel, our dedicated staff will ensure a warm and inviting welcome. Perhaps you have a specific hobby or sport you would care to focus on during your cruise - then our theme cruise itineraries should be perused from our cruise guide or cruise maps. We look forward to welcoming you on board to experience our luxury barge cruises for discerning clientele in search of an enchanting, leisurely and unique experience.

THE EVOLUTION OF BARGING
Barging began at the time of the Industrial Revolution, delivering produce, goods and post across the European countryside. Long, wooden, horse-drawn boats were pulled through the canals, designed to navigate the narrow locks and bridge spans. The boatmen and their families began to live on board their boats to minimise costs and cleverly rented out rooms.
In the early 20th Century the efficient diesel and steam engines replaced the horses. With the continued advancements in technology, cargo hauling became extinct and in the 1940s canal holidays took their place on the many canals and river. Being proud of their heritage, people not only restored castles, homes and gardens but enthusiasts also lovingly restored and refurbished the old barges. Villagers along the waterways were friendly to the new breed of travellers and catered to their needs. This tradition is still in place today.
Please note that the majority of barges today are beautifully refurbished barges or designed to replicate the original. They incorporate modern facilities for the comfort of the guests without compromising the integrity of the boats. New barges will be specified in the descriptions.

WHERE TO CRUISE IN FRANCE?
( Barges selected by regions )

HOW MUCH IT COSTS?
( Barges selected by prices )

2012 BARGING IN FRANCE
EARLYBIRD SPECIAL OFFERS
30% discount - Randle in Burgundy - France /Special Couples / All departures
20% discount - Caprice in Burgundy - France / Cruises departures: April 1 & October 2012

EARLYBIRD SPECIAL DISCOUNT PER CABIN
20% discount - Panache in Belgium & France / Cruises departures: 20 & 27 May 2012
10% discount - Anjodi on canal du Midi - France / Cruises departures: March / April 2012
10% discount - Rosa on canal du Midi / Gascony- France / Cruises departures: March / April 2012
10% discount - Belle Epoque in Burgundy - France Cruises departures: April 2012
10% discount - Art de Vivre in Burgundy - France / Cruises departures: April 2012
10% discount - Scottish Higlander in Scotland/ Cruises departures: March & April 2012
10% discount - Magna Carta in England / Cruises departures: March & April 2012

CHARTER SPECIALS
US$ 6000 discount - Burgundy / Savoir Vivre - up to 8 pax, April, May 2012
US$ 3000 discount - Burgundy / Luciole - up to 14 pax, April, July, August 2012
15% discount - Burgundy / Randle - 4 pax charter (offer valid for all bookings)
10% discount - Gascony / Midi on Rosa - 6 to 8 pax charter, March, April & May 2012
10% discount - Burgundy / Belle Epoque - France - 12 pax charter, April 2012
10% discount - Burgundy/ Art de Vivre - France / 8 pax charter April 2012
10% discount - Canal du Midi / Anjodi - France / 8 pax charter March & April 2012
10% discount - Holland Tulips on Panache - 8 to 12 pax charters, April & May 2012
10% discount - Italy on La Bella Vita - 20 pax charters, April 2012
10% discount - England on Magna Carta - 8 pax charters, Feb, Mar, April 2012
10% discount - Scotland on Scottish Higlander / Cruises departures: March & April 2012

Barge cruises on canals in France
30 barges selected by comfort

Alouette is a well-appointed Luxemotor barge only 30 metres in length. Wining and dining is a highlight of any cruise. The table d’hôte menus on board the barge are of the very highest quality and include many regional specialities and fine wines.